London: Fast bowler Ollie Robinson has been suspended from all international cricket by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pending an investigation into the racist and sexist tweets he posted in 2012 and 2013.
As a result, Robinson will miss the second Test against New Zealand starting at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Announcing his suspension on Sunday, the ECB confirmed that Robinson will leave the England camp immediately and return to his county, Sussex. He will be allowed to play for his club during the investigation.
According to Cricbuzz report, Robinson’s tweets were discovered on Wednesday (June 2), the first day of Robinson’s Test debut at Lord’s, and made public while he was taking four wickets in New Zealand’s first innings.
At the close of play, the 27 year-old, visibly upset, apologised and said he was going through a difficult period in his life when he sent the offending tweets.
“I want to make it clear that I’m not racist and I’m not sexist,” Robinson had said.
“I deeply regret my actions, and I am ashamed of making such remarks. I was thoughtless and irresponsible, and regardless of my state of mind at the time, my actions were inexcusable. Since that period, I have matured as a person and fully regret the tweets,’ he added.
However, Robinson’s words were followed swiftly by a strongly worded statement from the ECB’s chief executive, Tom Harrison, which confirmed a disciplinary process and full investigation would be initiated.
“England and Sussex bowler Ollie Robinson has been suspended from all international cricket pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation following historic tweets he posted in 2012 and 2013,’ the ECB said in a statement after the conclusion of the first Test.
“He will not be available for selection for the second Test against New Zealand starting at Edgbaston on Thursday (June 10). Robinson will leave the England camp immediately and return to his county,”it added.
Meanhwile, the pacer enjoyed an impressive debut on the field during the first Test at Lord’s, which ended in a draw.
He picked up seven wickets across the two New Zealand innings and was the pick of England’s bowlers. He also made a crucial 42 when England batted on day four to help them recover from the perilous position of 140 for 6.
